Beu Health Center

Mumps Information

Please be reminded that the mumps virus spreads through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat. An infected person can spread the virus by coughing, sneezing, kissing, or talking; sharing items, such as cups or eating utensils, with others; and touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others.

In an effort to maintain a healthy campus community, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take the following precautions to avoid the mumps virus.

Make sure you are up-to-date on your MMR vaccine

If you are not sure if you received two doses of the MMR vaccine, get vaccinated

If you have had the mumps virus, you are immune meaning you would NOT need another dose of the vaccine

Wash your hands well and often with soap and water

Do not share eating utensils and beverages with others

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

Clean frequently touched surfaces with soap and water

Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick

Watch for mumps symptoms even if you are fully vaccinated

Initial symptoms include:

Achy muscles

Loss of appetite

Generalized discomfort

Headache

Low-grade fever

After a period of one to two days, symptoms may progress to:

Swelling in one or both of the Parotid glands (the salivary glands in front of the ears)

Pain / tenderness along the angle of the jaw

Swelling / pain in testicles in males (post-puberty); lower abdominal pain from swelling of ovaries in females who have reached puberty ( < 20% of cases)

What to do if you believe you have mumps

If there is a diagnosis of mumps, isolate from others for five (5) days from the onset of symptoms, which means no activities outside the home for five (5) days

Cooperate with the McDonough County Health Department if a disease investigation is conducted; comply with Illinois Department of Public Health Rules and Regulations for the Control of Communicable Disease

Please help each other remain healthy by following these good health practices. Additional information about mumps can be found by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/mumps. The McDonough County Health Department is a great resource for information on mumps prevention which can be found at mchdept.com